Archives for October 2014

It’s time to get frightful, Frisco! Special movie showings, a buffalo stomp, exploding pumpkins, plus chills and thrills all weekend. So grab your scariest garb and enjoy the start of November in Frisco!

Friday, October 31 HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

“Night of Illusions Ball” All high-school aged youth are invited to a “Night of Illusions,” a Halloween masquerade ball including food, bobbing for apples, music and entertainment by DJ Chris, dancing, games and prizes. A prize will be awarded for the “Best Costume.” Come dressed in your costumes and/or masquerade masks. Tickets are $25 and include food and soft-drink beverages. Get tickets:

High-school ID will be checked at-the-door. Hosted by the Heritage High-School Senior Parent Board. Security will be present at the event.

Saturday, November 1

“Frisco Women’s League cordially invites you to attend their Charity Casino Night” All proceeds benefit The Turning Point, Rape Crisis Center of Collin County. Casino Night will be held in Cascades Event Center, 5909 Stone Creek Drive, The Colony, Texas. Admission to the event is $55 per person. Enjoy an evening of fun playing Blackjack, Craps, and Texas Hold ‘Em! We’ll have hors d’oervers, a cash bar, raffle, and a live auction. Dress is cocktail attire. Guests must be 21 years of age to attend. Frisco Women’s League is an all-volunteer based non-profit 501(c)(3) organization.

“The Great Pumpkin Explosion!” From 11am to 12noon at Frisco Square, this FREE charity event is fun (and educational) for both kids and adults. In the grassy field next door to Espiritu – 6142 Frisco Square Blvd. (Park near city hall or in the large east Frisco Square parking lot), middle school science teacher Tim Montgomery brings his popular pumpkin science experiments that he performs for his 8th grade students to the rest of us here in Frisco! He will be blowing up pumpkins “sky high” by showing the combustion that is caused by combining solid sodium chunks with water. Very safe and fun to watch. (Just a quick one hour event this year – This is our “guinea pig” year to see if there is enough interest in hosting a longer annual festival with other Autumn themed games and science experiments, a band and other family activities the Saturday after Halloween each year.) Popcorn generously provided by POParella’s – plus a children’s Fall drink donated by Espiritu. (Espiritu will be open early at 11 AM providing Great Pumpkin Explosion drink specials – including Rahr’s Oktoberfest beer to commemorate this special occasion.) Stay and have lunch at Frisco Square – there will be a free raffle including meals from Frisco Square restaurants! Boy Scout troop 1260 will be on hand to clean up any pumpkin debris. Please consider a small donation to help this troop buy tents and camping supplies. If you have questions, contact Rick Fletcher at rick@texasdreamcruise.com or text (972) 689-9612

“The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Light The Night Walk” This is an annual event to raise funds for free patient services in our community and assist in finding cures through research. It is also the nation’s night to pay tribute and bring hope to people battling cancer. People form teams of friends, families, and co-workers. Walking at twilight, participants hold illuminated balloons or lanterns (white – survivors, red – supporters, gold – in memory). This is a casual walk with no fitness requirements. There is no registration fee; however, team fundraising is encouraged. The evening is a fun and family oriented event including live music, food, photo booth and a kid’s area. Teams can register online at www.lightthenight.org/ntx Registration check in opens at 5:00 p.m. and the walk begins at 7:00 p.m. Where: Simpson Plaza at Frisco Square

LAST night for “CHICAGO: The Musical” which ran from October 24 to November 1 @ 5:00 pm. Tickets are only $10, and the award-winning Heritage High School Theatre department is thrilled to present CHICAGO: The Musical. Come enjoy your favorite songs from the show, including “All That Jazz,” “Razzle Dazzle,” “Cell-Block Tango,” and “When You’re Good to Mama,” among others. Director Brian Grunkowski is acclaimed for his visually stunning productions and enthusiastic choreography. You won’t want to miss this! http://heritagetheatre.wordpress.com/

“Wakeland High School’s Little Miss Cheer Clinic” From 9am to 3:30pm, the cheerleaders from Frisco’s Wakeland High School invite all elementary school children to attend their annual Little Miss Cheer Clinic. I n addition to learning cheers, chants and jumps taught by NCA award-winning cheerleaders, participants will have opportunity to perform at a Wakeland varsity football game. The clinic is open to children in grades K-5. Participants may attend the clinic from 9:00am -11:30am OR 1:00pm to 3:30pm. The cost is $40 and includes a cheer shirt, pom poms, megaphone, and admission to Wakeland’s Friday, November 7 varsity football game. At the varsity game, Little Miss Cheer participants will show off their skills and routine throughout the first half of the game.

“Arborfest” At 9 a.m., this free event in Frisco Commons, 8000 McKinney Road, is hosted by Urban Forestry Commission and Frisco Garden Club. Help Frisco’s green reputation grow and put down new roots – literally! The event starts with a ceremonial tree planting, hosted by the city’s Urban Forestry Board and the Frisco Garden Club. The 2014 ‘Tree Champions’ will be announced. Find out where the desert willow and catalpa tree ‘champs’ are located in the city. Then, take a tour along the trails at Frisco Commons, where 42 speciies of trees grow. Get tips on what trees grow best in our soils, plus how to plan and care for those trees. The first 100 tree huggers on tour will go home with a free gift! Frisco has been awarded the ‘Tree City USA’ designation every year since 2004, when it first received the national recognition.

“Buffalo Stomp” In partnership with the Frisco Garden Club and the City of Frisco Environmental Services, the Stomp will be held at 12noon in Warren Sports Complex at Freedom Meadow. Participants will stomp wildflower seeds into the prairie as the buffalo used to do. Free and open to the public.

Sunday, November 2

“St. Philip’s Frisco Hosts 10th Annual ‘Gifts of Grace’ Market” Get ready to start your Christmas shopping! St. Philip’s Episcopal Church in Frisco is preparing for its 10th annual Gifts of Grace Market November 2nd – 9th. This one-of-a-kind market provides shoppers with unique gift options for holiday shopping that can impact lives all over the world! Gifts of Grace supports artisans, farmers and craftsmen around the globe by helping to provide a sustainable living, enabling these individuals to build a better future for themselves, their families, and their communities. All proceeds go directly back to these artisans and to missions and outreach organizations worldwide. Visit Gifts of Grace on Sunday, November 2nd, Saturday, November 8th, or Sunday, November 9th from 9:00 am-1:00 pm in St. Philip’s Hall, located on the church campus at 6400 Stonebrook Parkway, Frisco, TX 75034. For more information, please call St. Philip’s at (214) 387-4700 or visit St. Philip’s website at www.stphilipsfrisco.org

Monday, November 3

“Pack & Play Charity Event” From 6pm – 8pm, bring your whole family to pack and jump in at an event that promises to be super fun while also serving our community as we collect and pack food to help feed at-risk kids in FISD over the Thanksgiving school break. Admission is FREE with a donation of at least 4 items (but feel free to be as generous as you like!) Be sure to visit www.lovepacs.org for their list of requested food items. Where: Pump It Up, 7164 Technology Dr Ste 200, Frisco, TX 75034

Tuesday, November 4

“Frisco City Council Meeting” The Frisco City Council typically meets the first and third Tuesdays of each month inside the City Council Chamber at the George A. Purefoy Municipal Center, 6101 Frisco Square Blvd. Citizens are welcome to attend the open meeting, which generally begins at 6:30 p.m.
Citizens’ input is heard at approximately 7:30 p.m.

Public art events happening at the Frisco Discovery Center for November.

Please consider having your company’s staff come together in a team-building exercise that would benefit the Frisco community: participate in the “CAN you give thanks?” canned-goods sculpture exhibit (being donated to Frisco Family Services’ Food pantry) and/OR the third annual “Festival of Trees” with proceeds benefiting foster children in Collin County (through CASA).

November 3 – FREE Acting Workshop Plano Children’s Theatre from 6-8PM
This monthly session is free of charge but you must RSVP: 972-422-2575.

November 7-23 – Frisco Community Theatre’s “Death By Chocolate”
There will be 10 performances from November 7 – 23 on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in the Black Box Theater in the Frisco Discovery Center.
“Members of the newly renovated Meadowbrook Health Resort are dropping like flies, including famed chef Edith Chiles! On the eve of the grand re-opening, this is not the best advertisement! It’s up to John Stone, the manager, to find the cause and the murderer. Delightfully sarcastic and cynical, it is a pun-filled, comedic mystery.” – Source: FCT For showtimes, tickets, and pricing, see the link above. Tickets: $21; Matinees $20; $2 discount for Seniors age 60+, Students and Military: $1.50 per ticket charge if paying by credit card. Need more information? Call 972-370-2266 or email fct@flash.net

Through November 8 – “Ratpack Magic: Memories from the Golden Age of Crooners”VAGF’s Fall Art Show in Frisco Art Gallery
The crooners such as Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, and Gene Kelly influenced American culture during the 1960s and 1970s. See a select show in the Frisco Art Gallery thematically inspired by this era. Questions? Contact Brenda Thomas, VAGF President: brenda.g.thomas@gmail.com .

November 11-23 – “CAN you give Thanks?”Art Show and Artist Reception in Frisco Art Gallery
“CAN You Give Thanks?” is an art show featuring Thanksgiving themed canned goods sculptures created by representatives of classes, groups, businesses, clubs, and other organizations. A total of seven pieces will be exhibited for two weeks in the Frisco Art Gallery, November 11-23, 2014. Find out the winning sculpture during the reception on Wednesday, November 12th, from 7-9PM. All canned goods will be donated to the Frisco Family Services’ Food Pantry after the show. Questions? Contact Paige Prater, Director of Marketing and Exhibits for Frisco Arts: pprater@friscoarts.org. Free and open to the public.

November 15 – The Gruca-White Ensemble – Astraios Music in Black Box Theater
At Astraios’ Music’s invitation, classical guitarist, Robert Gruca, and flautist, Linda White, are coming from Cleveland, Ohio to share their musical talents with the Frisco community. Both musicians are current artists-in-residence at the nationally respected music school, The Music Settlement. The duo will play a variety of standards for flute and guitar, interspersed with their own arrangements of Latin, jazz, and rock tunes, along with improvisations. FREE admission. Reserve a spot since seating is limited: http://astraiosmusic.org/events/ Questions? Contact Ruth Ann Ritchie: info@astraiosmusic.org

We’ve reached that time of year again….Daylight Saving Time ends this Sunday, November 2nd at 2:00 AM.

While Stage 3 Water Restrictions remain in effect, Frisco relaxes its time-of-day restrictions after Daylight Saving Time ends. If weather station data indicates that watering is needed, this allows watering during warmer hours and minimizes systems running in the evening hours when temperatures might dip below freezing.

As we cozy up indoors with warm fires and hot cocoa, take advantage of the cooler weather and give those sprinkler systems a break! Cooler days and shorter temperatures mean that our summer grasses and perennials are entering their dormant season. Because the fall and winter tend to be a bit rainier in North Texas, sprinkler systems can be turned off from now until around March of the following year. Based on historical weather station data, watering with sprinkler systems is not necessary this time of year.

While you’re resetting the clock on your sprinkler controller, now is also a great time to replace the batteries in your controller, AND to check that your rain and freeze shut-off sensor is in working order. If rain and freeze shut-off sensors are not functioning properly and your sprinkler system is left on during the winter, your system may fail to shut off in the event of rain or temperatures under 40 degrees. Running a sprinkler system during icy weather can create dangerous conditions for pedestrians and drivers alike, and constitutes a water waste violation.

To prevent creating an accidental winter wonderland in your yard, make sure to check the battery status of any equipment linked to your irrigation system. Not sure how to do this? Schedule a free sprinkler system checkup.

Any coach will tell you that if you just make it to the playoffs, anything can happen. When it comes to District 9-5A, making the playoffs might just mean that the toughest football is behind you. After Week 9’s crazy set of upsets, there is now a four-way tie for first place, with the playoffs a mere two weeks away.

W Frisco (5-3, 4-2) @ Frisco Lone Star (6-3, 4-3)—35-17

The streaking Lone Star Rangers knew that a win against Frisco High would give them at least a share of the top spot in district. However, the Raccoons had different plans.

The route was on early as the ‘Coons led 28-3 at halftime, and despite a late surge by the Rangers, the win was really never a doubt for Frisco High. Coming into the contest, all eyes were on Lone Star’s Jason Shelley, the do-it-all QB that is crucial to his team’s success. However, the Raccoons have their very own star athlete in Paul Terry, who rushed for an astounding 289 yards and a score.

Frisco High’s defense keyed in on the run, limiting Shelley to just 10 yards rushing on 20 carries. Shelley was still able to connect on 25 passes for 327 yards, but he was also intercepted once and failed to find the end zone. Lone Star’s WRs CobyShelton (120 yds) and Michael Johnson (98 yds) hauled in a combined 15 passes.

W Frisco Heritage (6-2, 4-2) @ Frisco Wakeland (6-2, 4-2)—32-28

Wakeland High had a chance to carve their own spot atop District 9-5A, but the feisty Coyotes used a late offensive push to secure the win and create a jumbled mess for the district’s top spot.

After the first quarter, it appeared as though the route was on for the Wakeland Wolverines. Up 14-0 heading into the second quarter, Jay Orji (201 yds, 3 TDs) and Justice Williams (30 yds rec., TD)—two keys to the Wolverines’ success—had already beaten the Coyotes defense.

Heading into the fourth quarter, Wakeland still led, 21-18, but they knew advantage was on shaky ground. In the final quarter, it was the Coyotes’ time to shine, as WRs AJ Dawson (78 yds, TD) and Keaton White (51 yds, TD) proved the difference. QB Malik Walker combined for 259 yards of total offense with 4 TDs.

W Frisco Liberty (4-4, 3-3) VS. Frisco Centennial (4-4, 4-2)—21-7

In what was the biggest upset of the week, if not the season, the Liberty RedHawks used a simple formula to pull off the win—they stopped the Titans’ biggest weapon.

RB Anthony Pegues (73 yds, TD) was held to less than 106 yards for the first time in six weeks, and just the third time this season. This is no easy feat, especially of late, as Pegues has averaged a robust 188.1 yds per game over his previous five contests.

Although a strong defensive output was extremely important in Liberty’s win, the RedHawks could not have won had it not been for a huge night from their offense. RBs Dmitri Jones (153 yds) and Darrell Reese (80 yds, 2 TDs) were able to exploit the Titans’ normally tough run defense. QB Udgam Goyal ran wild too, with 120 yds rushing and a score, with 81 yards passing to boot.

It’s starting to get pretty crowded atop the District 9-5A standings. If the playoffs were to start today, all four postseason spots would be occupied by Frisco ISD teams—which is a great thing. However, the playoffs are still a good three weeks away, and if the current standings are any indication, it’s going to be a mad dash to the postseason promised land as seven teams still hold realistic postseason aspirations…

There is probably no team in the area riding higher than the Wakeland Wolverines. That’s what a one-point, overtime win over your bitter rival (Centennial Titans) will do for morale. Being in first place in District 9-5A as a result of that win puts a little extra hip in your hop too (as it should).

However, the top-spot is a precarious position this year, as it has now changed hands three times, and should the Wolverines fail to hold off a very tough Heritage team, it’s going to get quite crowded at the top, indeed.

Heritage, fresh off a loss to Jason Shelley and the Lone Star Rangers, will be looking to reclaim a taste of the top. A Coyotes win tonight would put Heritage right back in the hunt for the premier postseason seed.

A win tonight against the Frisco High Raccoons means the Lone Star Rangers could reclaim at least a part of the district lead. After dropping two straight in Week 6 and 7, the Rangers returned to their winning ways after last week’s 52-27 shellacking of the Heritage Coyotes.

The Raccoons, too, are coming off a big win against the Independence Knights, 56-21. Should the ‘Coons stave off the Rangers tonight, the top spots in the district will be more crowded than downtown Houston during 5 O’Clock traffic.

TAPPS II-2 is loaded with talent, and the Bullard Brook Hill is certainly no different. For the Eagles, it’ll be all about containing the Guard’s sticky-handed WR Seth Brasher, while staying clear of tackling-machines Ty Brown and Malke Ally. All season long, Chase Eisenmann has been carrying the offense, but tonight’s outcome should be predicated by how Legacy’s defense can hold up against yet another talented offense.

Friday, October 24

The Great Ghost Chase – Frisco Area Children’s Theatre in Black Box Theater, Friday, the 24, and Saturday, the 25th. Book by Tim Kelly, Music and Lyrics by Bill Francoeur. FACT is back with a spooky musical comedy featuring two cousins, a forced plane landing, mixed-up madness between the staff and patients at an insane asylum, a poltergeist set loose by an earthquake, and some rapping ghost-chasers. Tickets: $5-10 at the door. Doors open at 7PM. Questions? Contact Frisco Area Children’s Theatre: friscoacts@friscoacts.com OR 469-777-8557

National Corvette Restorers Society 2014 Lone Star Regional Show From 9am to 4pm, open to the Public on Friday, Oct 24th, AND Saturday, Oct 25th, at Embassy Suites/Frisco Conference Center, 7600 John Q Hammons. See http://www.ncrs.org/ for details

Saturday, October 25

Gary Burns Fun Run In Toyota Stadium, 1 Mile Fun Run at 8am and 5K at 8:30am Run for fun and a worthy cause at the Gary Burns Fun Run in Frisco on Oct. 25! The run benefits the Frisco Education Foundation, which creates scholarships for Frisco ISD seniors and grants for Frisco ISD teachers. http://www.friscoisd.org/ly/community/FEF/

Museum Of The American Railroad Open For Exciting Interior Tours Personable and knowledgeable tour guides will give a history of the trains and their tangible role in shaping our heritage. Forty-Five minute fall walking tours will take place each Saturday at 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. from September 13 through November 22, weather permitting, for individuals and groups of up to 30 people. Guests pay admission ($7 Adults / $3 Children ages 3-12) at the Frisco Heritage Museum.http://www.museumoftheamericanrailroad.org/Home/News.aspx

“Bulloween” From 6-8:30pm, in the Special Events Center, the Lone Star Bulldog Rescue is back for the second time to celebrate this breed of dog and raise money for rescuing and rehoming bulldogs with loving families. Featuring vendors, raffles, games, and a costume contest! Goodie bags for the first 100 people. Tickets are $10. Kids and dogs are free. http://www.friscodiscoverycenter.com/index.php/events/bulloween/

FC Dallas vs. Portland Timbers 7:30pm in Toyota Stadium.

“Protecting Your Family & Leaving a Legacy: Why Most Estate Plans Fail and What to Do About It” Free Educational Workshop at 11:00 am Frisco Public Library, 4th Floor http://www.friscolibrary.com

Sunday, October 26

“2014 Trick or Treat the Square” From 1-4 PM in Frisco Square. Come dressed in your best costume & trick or treat at some of your favorite restaurants, shops & businesses at Frisco Square! Frisco Square is also collecting for projectwarm.us during Trick or Treat the Square. ‘Trick or Treat/ Help Our Feet’ now through November 24th we will be collecting the following items: Coats (Jackets, sweatshirts and sweaters are good too), Blankets, Scarves, Knit Hats & Gloves, Shoes, Socks (new only, please). All items may be dropped off 8am – 5pm Monday-Friday at the Frisco Square Management Office at 8874 Coleman Blvd – next door to Dimples Cupcake Factory, and also during Trick or Treat the Square. http://www.friscosquare.com/trickortreat

Elevate Life Church’s Family Fun Fest From 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm, Elevate Life Church in Frisco is hosting their annual Family Fun Fest happening Sunday, October 26 from 4 – 8 p.m. as a great and safe Halloween alternative for kids of all ages! Join in for carnival rides, inflatables, a petting zoo, cakewalks, games, face painting, hayrides and more. Enjoy unlimited rides and inflatables by purchasing a wristband for $20/person, or you can pay $1 per ticket to use towards the activities. There are also plenty of free games and candy to enjoy! Food trucks will be on site for an additional cost and costumes are welcome.